When Nikon and Canon launched their first full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z 6 and Canon EOS R seemed to be rivals each bit as aggressive as neighboring sports activities groups. But then Canon pulled up its sleeves to disclose one other shock: A decrease priced entry into full-frame mirrorless, the Canon EOS RP.
While the Z 6 and EOS R are arguably nearer opponents with much less of a value hole and extra in frequent throughout the spec record, Nikon doesn’t have a full-frame mirrorless mannequin nearer to the EOS RP’s engaging $1,299 value level. If you need the most cost effective full-frame mirrorless from Nikon or Canon, the choices are the Nikon Z 6 or the Canon EOS RP.
With a $700 value distinction in favor of the RP, discovering higher specs in nearly each class on the Z 6 comes as no shock. But the RP additionally has a bit extra going for it than an inexpensive price ticket. Here’s what photographers eyeing Nikon and Canon’s entry-level mirrorless programs must know concerning the Canon EOS RP vs. Nikon Z 6.

Specification-wise, the sensors on the RP and the Z 6 are quite comparable. Both are full-frame with the optical low cross filter intact, with the RP eking out 2 extra megapixels at 26MP in comparison with the Z 6’s 24. But that’s hardly the complete story.
While each cameras produced wonderful JPEGs, the RAW photos from the RP felt a bit lackluster. Base ISO fell behind opponents just like the Z 6 and suppleness in put up is way more restricted than a few of Canon’s different cameras. That’s not precisely shocking, nonetheless, contemplating even the dearer EOS R didn’t carry out in addition to the Z 6 in lab testing by DxO Mark. Both full-frame cameras will do a great job in low mild, however the Z 6 edges out the EOS R right here once more.
If you solely wish to shoot in JPEG, you gained’t discover an enormous distinction between the 2 cameras. But if you wish to get probably the most you probably can out of your pictures, the Z 6 is the best way to go.
Winner: Nikon Z 6
Speed
Hillary Grigonis/Digital TrendsA fast take a look at the specs exhibits the Nikon Z 6 simply profitable this class — however be certain to look intently. The Z 6 has the quickest burst velocity of the 2 at 12 frames per second with steady autofocus. Live view is restricted at this velocity, nonetheless, and the digicam drops to only 5.5 fps with reside view. This isn’t that far forward of the EOS RP’s 4 fps burst fee with steady autofocus, however that digicam tops out at 5 fps with focus locked. Nikon clearly comes out forward, however isn’t doing laps across the RP when you want full entry to that viewfinder throughout burst taking pictures.
Winner: Nikon Z 6
Autofocus
Daven Mathies/Digital TrendsAutofocus is one space the place the pricier digicam truly falls slightly behind. Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus expertise has lengthy impressed, and it doesn’t disappoint shifting over to the mirrorless system both. The Dual Pixel system means loads of autofocus factors sure, however the RF does properly in low mild, performing all the way down to -5 EV the place the Z 6 wants a (slower) particular mode to achieve that far.
That’s to not say the Z 6’s autofocus system is horrible — it’s strong in most eventualities, however doesn’t fairly match-up to the efficiency of Nikon’s DSLRs, notably in restricted lighting. A latest replace did convey eye-detection to the Z 6, a characteristic the EOS RP additionally has. We did discover the RP’s eye-detection didn’t work at distances past a number of toes, nonetheless, so the Z 6 is probably going slightly stronger right here. Dual Pixel Autofocus additionally isn’t obtainable whereas taking pictures 4K video on the EOS RP, and the contrast-detection AF it makes use of as an alternative is frustratingly gradual.
So the EOS RP wins for low mild sensitivity, the Nikon wins for video. Both are succesful programs with totally different, particular limitations that make selecting a winner troublesome.
Winner: Tie
Stabilization
Nikon Z 6 Hillary Grigonis/Digital TrendsYou don’t need to look past the specs to determine this one out — the Canon EOS RP lacks in-body stabilization. The Nikon Z 6 has picture stabilization in-built to the physique, providing 5 stops of shake discount. The solely stabilization Canon presents is both contained in the lens or, in video mode, with digital stabilization that reduces high quality. This is one other clear win for the Nikon.
Winner: Nikon Z 6
Video
Canon EOS RP Daven Mathies/Digital TrendsNikon went all out for video with the brand new mirrorless system — and it exhibits in additional methods than one when evaluating the Canon EOS RP vs. Nikon Z 6. The Z 6 captures 4K at 30 fps utilizing that whole full-frame sensor. For extra flexibility in put up, customers can report 10-bit N-Log utilizing exterior recording gear — a high-end characteristic that’s good to see on an entry-level mannequin. Without exterior recording gear, the Z 6 captures in 8-bit utilizing the same old coloration profiles. In 1080p, video may be recorded at as much as 120 fps for slow-motion playback.
The EOS RP, however, makes use of a 1.7x crop of the sensor to seize 4K at 24 fps — basically, you can get comparable outcomes from a 4K APS-C digicam. 4K is restricted to a single body fee: 24p. Remember, it additionally doesn’t use Dual Pixel AF in 4K mode. Stepping all the way down to 1080p, the EOS RP data from the complete sensor and makes use of DPAF, however it’s lacking choices like gradual movement and even a 24p mode.
Winner: Nikon Z 6
Design
Hillary Grigonis/Digital TrendsWhich digicam of the pair has the higher design? The reply goes to come back all the way down to what issues most to you — dimension, or options. The Canon EOS RP lays declare to the title for the lightest full-frame mirrorless available on the market. The physique dimension can be smaller than the Z 6. The tilt display additionally flips to the aspect, so you should use it for selfies, if that issues.
Feature-wise, nonetheless, the Z 6 packs in additional inside a physique that’s not terribly massive both. It’s professionally weather-sealed and the decision of each the EVF and LCD display is greater than on the RP. The Z 6 additionally retains extra of the options in frequent with full-frame DSLRs, with a secondary display on the prime, a spotlight level selector joystick, and extra bodily controls general. We’ll give the title to the Z 6 right here due to these extra superior options and higher construct, but when dimension issues, the EOS RP is available in with a slight edge.
Winner: Nikon Z 6
Is there a transparent winner?
Well, sure — the Nikon Z 6 fairly simply bests the Canon EOS RP. But if it didn’t, we’d be a bit apprehensive — it’s fairly a bit dearer, in any case. Canon purposely ignored options on the EOS RP with a view to get its value down — and that strategy exhibits when evaluating the digicam to the competitors. The Z 6 outperforms and outshoots the RP in almost each class, with higher RAW recordsdata, extra velocity, in-body stabilization, high-end video choices, and a extra superior design.
But if dimension and value are a very powerful components for you, the EOS RP is an efficient purchase. It’s not a foul alternative for customers that have already got a group of Canon lenses, but it surely doesn’t give Nikon or Sony homeowners any cause to modify. We must also point out the older Sony A7 II continues to be obtainable, and for even much less cash than the EOS RP. It could also be a technology previous, but it surely nonetheless outperforms the EOS R in some areas, together with RAW picture high quality.

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